Changes

The '''Revised Standard Version''' (RSV) is an [[English language|English]] [[Bible translation|translation]] of the [[Bible]] published in the mid-20th century. It traces its history all the way back to [[William Tyndale]]'s New Testament translation of 1525 and the [[King James Version]] of 1611. The RSV is a comprehensive revision of the King James Version (KJV), the [[Revised Version]] (RV) of 1881-85, and the [[American Standard Version]] (ASV) of 1901, with the ASV being the primary basis for the revision.

The '''Revised Standard Version''' (RSV) is an [[English language|English]] [[Bible translation|translation]] of the [[Bible]] published in the mid-20th century. It traces its history all the way back to [[William Tyndale]]'s New Testament translation of 1525 and the [[King James Version]] of 1611. The RSV is a comprehensive revision of the King James Version (KJV), the [[Revised Version]] (RV) of 1881-85, and the [[American Standard Version]] (ASV) of 1901, with the ASV being the primary basis for the revision.

The RSV posed the first serious challenge to the popularity of the KJV, aiming to be a readable and literally accurate modern English translation of the Bible. The intention was not only to create a clearer version of the Bible for the English-speaking church, but also to "preserve all that is best in the English Bible as it has been known and used through the centuries" and "to put the message of the Bible in simple, enduring words that are worthy to stand in the great Tyndale-King James tradition."

The RSV posed the first serious challenge to the popularity of the KJV, aiming to be a readable and literally accurate modern English translation of the Bible. The intention was not only to create a clearer version of the Bible for the English-speaking church, but also to "preserve all that is best in the English Bible as it has been known and used through the centuries" and "to put the message of the Bible in simple, enduring words that are worthy to stand in the great Tyndale-King James tradition."

== Making of the RSV ==

== Making of the RSV ==

Of the seven appearances of "almah", the [[Septuagint]] translates only two of them as "parthenos" (that is, virgin"). The word "betulah" by contrast appears some fifty times, but the Septuagint and English translations agree in understanding the word to mean "virgin" in almost every case. In the end, disputes continue over what "almah" does mean; the RSV translators chose to reconcile it with other passages where it does not necessarily mean "virgin".

Of the seven appearances of "almah", the [[Septuagint]] translates only two of them as "parthenos" (that is, virgin"). The word "betulah" by contrast appears some fifty times, but the Septuagint and English translations agree in understanding the word to mean "virgin" in almost every case. In the end, disputes continue over what "almah" does mean; the RSV translators chose to reconcile it with other passages where it does not necessarily mean "virgin".

Fundamentalists and evangelicals, in particular, accused the translators of deliberately tampering with the Scriptures to deny the virgin birth doctrine of Christ, and they cited other traditionally Messianic prophecies that were allegedly obscured in the RSV (i.e., Psalm 16.10, Genesis 22.18)[http://www.bible-researcher.com/rsv-bibsac.html]. Some opponents of the RSV took their anger to extremes. For example, a pastor in the Southern USA burned a copy of the RSV with a blowlamp in his pulpit, saying that it was like the devil because it was hard to burn, and sent the ashes as a protest to Weigle. (However, [[F.F. Bruce]] dismissed it as a publicity stunt and wrote that it had the opposite effect of causing nearly every family in that congregation to acquire a copy!) Others alleged that members of the translation panel were [[communists]]. At Senator [[Joseph McCarthy]]'s request, these charges were printed in the [[US Air Force]] training manual.{{Fact|date=April 2007}} These accusations are interesting in light of what happened to William Tyndale, an inspiration to the RSV translators, as they explained in their preface: "He met bitter opposition. He was accused of willfully perverting the meaning of the Scriptures, and his New Testaments were ordered to be burned as 'untrue translations.' "

Fundamentalists and evangelicals, in particular, accused the translators of deliberately tampering with the Scriptures to deny the virgin birth doctrine of Christ, and they cited other traditionally Messianic prophecies that were allegedly obscured in the RSV (i.e., Psalm 16.10, Genesis 22.18)[https://www.bible-researcher.com/rsv-bibsac.html]. Some opponents of the RSV took their anger to extremes. For example, a pastor in the Southern USA burned a copy of the RSV with a blowlamp in his pulpit, saying that it was like the devil because it was hard to burn, and sent the ashes as a protest to Weigle. (However, [[F.F. Bruce]] dismissed it as a publicity stunt and wrote that it had the opposite effect of causing nearly every family in that congregation to acquire a copy!) Others alleged that members of the translation panel were [[communists]]. At Senator [[Joseph McCarthy]]'s request, these charges were printed in the [[US Air Force]] training manual. These accusations are interesting in light of what happened to William Tyndale, an inspiration to the RSV translators, as they explained in their preface: "He met bitter opposition. He was accused of willfully perverting the meaning of the Scriptures, and his New Testaments were ordered to be burned as 'untrue translations.' "

The controversy stemming from the RSV helped reignite the [[King James Only Movement]] within the Independent Baptist and Pentecostal churches (which had begun with the publication of the RV and ASV but had been dormant due to those versions' lack of popularity). Furthermore, many Christians have adopted what has come to be known as the "Isaiah 7.14 litmus test"; that is, whenever a new translation arrives, that verse is the one they will check to determine whether or not they can trust the new version as a legitimate translation.

The controversy stemming from the RSV helped reignite the [[King James Only Movement]] within the Independent Baptist and Pentecostal churches (which had begun with the publication of the RV and ASV but had been dormant due to those versions' lack of popularity). Furthermore, many Christians have adopted what has come to be known as the "Isaiah 7.14 litmus test"; that is, whenever a new translation arrives, that verse is the one they will check to determine whether or not they can trust the new version as a legitimate translation.

== The Apocrypha and the Catholic Edition==

== The Apocrypha and the Catholic Edition==

=== Apocrypha ===

=== Apocrypha ===

In 1957, at the request of the [[Episcopal Church in the United States of America]], the [[Deuterocanonical books]] (called the [[Apocrypha]] by most Protestant Christians) were added to the RSV. Since there was no American Standard Version of the Apocrypha, the RSV Apocrypha was a revision of the [[Revised Version]] Apocrypha of 1894, as well as the King James Version. To make the RSV acceptable to [[Eastern Orthodox]] congregations, an expanded edition of the Apocrypha containing 3 & 4 Maccabees and [[Psalm 151]] was released in 1977.  

In 1957, at the request of the [[Episcopal Church in the United States of America]], the [[Deuterocanonical books]] (called the [[Apocrypha]] by most Protestant Christians) were added to the RSV. Since there was no American Standard Version of the Apocrypha, the RSV Apocrypha was a revision of the [[Revised Version]] Apocrypha of 1894, as well as the King James Version. To make the RSV acceptable to [[Eastern Orthodox]] congregations, an expanded edition of the Apocrypha containing 3 & 4 Maccabees and [[Psalm 151]] was released in 1977.  

=== Catholic Edition ===

=== Catholic Edition ===

In 1965, the [[Catholic Biblical Association]] adapted — under the editorship of Bernard Orchard OSB and [[Reginald C. Fuller]] — the RSV for [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] use with the release of the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. The RSV-Catholic New Testament was published in 1965 and the full RSV-Catholic Bible in 1966. This included revisions up through 1962, along with a small number of new revisions in the New Testament, mostly to return to familiar phrases. In addition, a few footnotes were changed. This edition is currently published and licensed by [[Ignatius Press]]. It contains the [[deuterocanonical]] books of the Old Testament placed in the traditional order of the [[Vulgate]].

In 1965, the [[Catholic Biblical Association]] adapted — under the editorship of Bernard Orchard OSB and [[Reginald C. Fuller]] — the RSV for [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] use with the release of the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. The RSV-Catholic New Testament was published in 1965 and the full RSV-Catholic Bible in 1966. This included revisions up through 1962, along with a small number of new revisions in the New Testament, mostly to return to familiar phrases. In addition, a few footnotes were changed. This edition is currently published and licensed by [[Ignatius Press]]. It contains the [[deuterocanonical]] books of the Old Testament placed in the traditional order of the [[Vulgate]].

=== Reader's Digest Bible ===

=== Reader's Digest Bible ===

 

In 1982, [[Reader's Digest]] published a special edition of the RSV that was billed as a condensed edition of the text. The Reader's Digest edition of the RSV was intended for those who did not read the Bible or who read it infrequently. It was not intended as a replacement of the full RSV text. In this version, 55% of the Old Testament and 25% of the New Testament were cut. Familiar passages such as the [[Lord's Prayer]], [[Psalm 23]] and the [[Ten Commandments]] were retained. For those who wanted the full RSV, Reader's Digest provided a list of publishers that sold the complete RSV at that time.

In 1982, [[Reader's Digest]] published a special edition of the RSV that was billed as a condensed edition of the text. The Reader's Digest edition of the RSV was intended for those who did not read the Bible or who read it infrequently. It was not intended as a replacement of the full RSV text. In this version, 55% of the Old Testament and 25% of the New Testament were cut. Familiar passages such as the [[Lord's Prayer]], [[Psalm 23]] and the [[Ten Commandments]] were retained. For those who wanted the full RSV, Reader's Digest provided a list of publishers that sold the complete RSV at that time.

== Revisions ==

== Revisions ==

=== New Revised Standard Version ===

=== New Revised Standard Version ===

In 1989, the [[National Council of Churches]] released a full-scale revision to the RSV called the New Revised Standard Version. It was the first major version to use gender-neutral language, and thus drew more criticism and ire from conservative Christians than did its 1952 predecessor.

In 1989, the [[National Council of Churches]] released a full-scale revision to the RSV called the New Revised Standard Version. It was the first major version to use gender-neutral language, and thus drew more criticism and ire from conservative Christians than did its 1952 predecessor.

=== English Standard Version ===

=== English Standard Version ===

As an alternative to the NRSV, in 2001, publisher [[Crossway Bibles]] released its own [[evangelicalism|Protestant evangelical]] revision of the RSV called the English Standard Version (ESV). This version was commissioned for the purpose of modifying RSV passages that conservatives had long disputed: e.g., the RSV's Isaiah 7:14 usage of the phrase "young woman" was changed back to "virgin"; and unlike its liberal cousin, it used only a small dose of gender-neutral language.

As an alternative to the NRSV, in 2001, publisher [[Crossway Bibles]] released its own [[evangelicalism|Protestant evangelical]] revision of the RSV called the English Standard Version (ESV). This version was commissioned for the purpose of modifying RSV passages that conservatives had long disputed: e.g., the RSV's Isaiah 7:14 usage of the phrase "young woman" was changed back to "virgin"; and unlike its liberal cousin, it used only a small dose of gender-neutral language.

The RSV remains a favorite translation for many Christians. However, RSV Bibles are hard to find, except in second-hand shops and churches that used it, because the NCC prefers to print the New Revised Standard Version.

The RSV remains a favorite translation for many Christians. However, RSV Bibles are hard to find, except in second-hand shops and churches that used it, because the NCC prefers to print the New Revised Standard Version.

The year 2002 marked the 50th anniversary of the publication of the RSV Bible. [[Oxford University Press]] commemorated it by releasing two different Anniversary editions: one with the Old and New Testaments only (the NT text being from 1971) [http://www.allbibles.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=0195288033&eq=&Tp=&Bc=RS], and one including the Apocryphal books as seen in the 1977 expanded edition. [http://www.allbibles.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=0195288084&eq=&Tp=&Bc=RS] Because these editions contain some of the readings and footnotes found in the RSV-Catholic New Testament (as in Matthew 1.19; 19.9; Mark 16.9-20; Luke 8.43 24.5, 12, 36, 40; John 7.53-8.11; Romans 5.5; 8.11; 1 Corinthians 9.5; Hebrews 13.13, to name only a few), and because of the order of the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical books and their placement between the Testaments, it is apparent that these editions are revivals of the 1977 Expanded Edition Common Bible.

The year 2002 marked the 50th anniversary of the publication of the RSV Bible. [[Oxford University Press]] commemorated it by releasing two different Anniversary editions: one with the Old and New Testaments only (the NT text being from 1971) [https://www.allbibles.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=0195288033&eq=&Tp=&Bc=RS], and one including the Apocryphal books as seen in the 1977 expanded edition. [https://www.allbibles.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=0195288084&eq=&Tp=&Bc=RS] Because these editions contain some of the readings and footnotes found in the RSV-Catholic New Testament (as in Matthew 1.19; 19.9; Mark 16.9-20; Luke 8.43 24.5, 12, 36, 40; John 7.53-8.11; Romans 5.5; 8.11; 1 Corinthians 9.5; Hebrews 13.13, to name only a few), and because of the order of the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical books and their placement between the Testaments, it is apparent that these editions are revivals of the 1977 Expanded Edition Common Bible.

Two years before, Oxford's rival, [[Cambridge University Press]], reprinted the RSV in two editions which are still available: a [http://www.allbibles.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=0521513065&eq=&Tp=&Bc=RS Brevier center-column reference Bible], and a [http://www.allbibles.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=0521530040&eq=&Tp=&Bc= vest-pocket New Testament with Psalms].

Two years before, Oxford's rival, [[Cambridge University Press]], reprinted the RSV in two editions which are still available: a [https://www.allbibles.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=0521513065&eq=&Tp=&Bc=RS Brevier center-column reference Bible], and a [https://www.allbibles.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=0521530040&eq=&Tp=&Bc= vest-pocket New Testament with Psalms].

Oxford continues to make the [http://www.allbibles.com/items.asp?Bc=RS&Cc=BIBSBOAR&Tp=&BrandName=Revised+Standard+Version&CatName=Oxford+Annotated+Reference+Bible RSV Oxford Annotated Bible] available, in a 1973 edition with Old and New Testaments (the NT text being from the 1971 update) and a 1977 edition featuring both Testaments and the 1977 Expanded Apocrypha.

Oxford continues to make the [https://www.allbibles.com/items.asp?Bc=RS&Cc=BIBSBOAR&Tp=&BrandName=Revised+Standard+Version&CatName=Oxford+Annotated+Reference+Bible RSV Oxford Annotated Bible] available, in a 1973 edition with Old and New Testaments (the NT text being from the 1971 update) and a 1977 edition featuring both Testaments and the 1977 Expanded Apocrypha.

[[Scepter Publishers]] and Oxford continue to print the 1966 edition of the RSV-Catholic Bible, and Ignatius Press, as mentioned, has made the Second Catholic Edition of the full Bible and a New Testament/Psalms available.

[[Scepter Publishers]] and Oxford continue to print the 1966 edition of the RSV-Catholic Bible, and Ignatius Press, as mentioned, has made the Second Catholic Edition of the full Bible and a New Testament/Psalms available.

The copyright for the RSV remains intact. It was originally scheduled to expire in 2008 or 2009, but the fact is "Most copyrights last for 50 years after the death of the author. If two or more authors create a work, the copyright lasts 50 years after the death of the last-living author. In some other cases, copyrights last longer" [http://www.atmsite.org/contrib/Poulson/faq/copyright.html].  So the RSV copyright will be intact for decades to come.

The copyright for the RSV remains intact. It was originally scheduled to expire in 2008 or 2009, but the fact is "Most copyrights last for 50 years after the death of the author. If two or more authors create a work, the copyright lasts 50 years after the death of the last-living author. In some other cases, copyrights last longer" [https://www.atmsite.org/contrib/Poulson/faq/copyright.html].  So the RSV copyright will be intact for decades to come.

As of July 2007, the National Concil of Churches of Christ in America, which holds the copyright to the RSV, has suppressed its online publication by websites hosted in the US. [http://128.143.22.16/rsv.browse.html Etext Centre announcement 1].

As of July 2007, the National Concil of Churches of Christ in America, which holds the copyright to the RSV, has suppressed its online publication by websites hosted in the US. [https://128.143.22.16/rsv.browse.html Etext Centre announcement 1].

== References ==

== References ==

* Comfort, Philip (1996). ''The Complete Guide to Bible Versions''. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House. ISBN 0-8423-1252-8

* Comfort, Philip (1996). ''The Complete Guide to Bible Versions''. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House. ISBN 0-8423-1252-8

* Marlowe, Michael D. (2001) [http://www.bible-researcher.com/rsv.html "Revised Standard Version (1946-1977)"]. Retrieved July 21, 2003.

* Marlowe, Michael D. (2001) [https://www.bible-researcher.com/rsv.html "Revised Standard Version (1946-1977)"]. Retrieved July 21, 2003.

* Metzger, Bruce (2001). ''The Bible in Translation''. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic. ISBN 0-8010-2282-7

* Metzger, Bruce (2001). ''The Bible in Translation''. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic. ISBN 0-8010-2282-7

* Sheely, Steven & Nash, Robert (1999). ''Choosing A Bible''. Nashville: Abdington Press. ISBN 0-687-05200-9

* Sheely, Steven & Nash, Robert (1999). ''Choosing A Bible''. Nashville: Abdington Press. ISBN 0-687-05200-9

== External links ==

== External links ==

* [http://www.hti.umich.edu/r/rsv/ RSV text online; searchable] (bad link)

* [https://www.hti.umich.edu/r/rsv/ RSV text online; searchable] (bad link)

* [http://www.biblecollectors.org/in_discordance_with_scripture.htm A book-review on the battle for the RSV]

* [https://www.biblecollectors.org/in_discordance_with_scripture.htm A book-review on the battle for the RSV]

* [http://www.bible-researcher.com/rsv-bibsac.html A Critique of the Revised Standard Version] from ''[[Bibliotheca Sacra]]'' Volume 110 (Jan. 1953) pp. 50-66. A contemporary review of the newly published RSV by the faculty of [[Dallas Theological Seminary]]

* [https://www.bible-researcher.com/rsv-bibsac.html A Critique of the Revised Standard Version] from ''[[Bibliotheca Sacra]]'' Volume 110 (Jan. 1953) pp. 50-66. A contemporary review of the newly published RSV by the faculty of [[Dallas Theological Seminary]]

* [http://www.mag-net.com/~maranath/rsv.htm Cecil J. Carter: "Should Christians Trust The Revised Standard Version?"] ''(this work lacks much scholarly support since it approaches the issue from a [[King-James-Only Movement|KJV-Only]] perspective)''

* [https://www.mag-net.com/~maranath/rsv.htm Cecil J. Carter: "Should Christians Trust The Revised Standard Version?"] ''(this work lacks much scholarly support since it approaches the issue from a [[King-James-Only Movement|KJV-Only]] perspective)''

* [http://www.bible-researcher.com/rsvpreface.html RSV Preface]

* [https://www.bible-researcher.com/rsvpreface.html RSV Preface]

* [http://www.bible-researcher.com/rsv.html The Revised Standard Version (1946-1977)]

* [https://www.bible-researcher.com/rsv.html The Revised Standard Version (1946-1977)]

* [http://www.ncccusa.org/newbtu/aboutrsv.html About the RSV]

* [https://www.ncccusa.org/newbtu/aboutrsv.html About the RSV]

[[Category: General Reference]]

[[Category: General Reference]]

[[Category: Religion]]

[[Category: Religion]]